Hobbyhorse



1951 E. H. PICHLER 2,551,632

HOBBYHORSE Filed Oct. 1, 1948 3 Sheets-Sheet l I. I' \l I I ii (is ll A Q w,

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HOBBYHORSE Filed Oct. 1, 1948 I 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 WWW attorneys Patented May 8, 1951 UNITED STATES ATENT OFFICE 7 Claims.

My invention relates to a hobbyhorse. More particularly, my invention relates to a device wherein the seat thereof moves in a circular path and thus simulates the galloping of a horse.

While my invention will be described in connection with a hobbyhorse, it is to be expressly understood that devices embodying my invention may have the appearance of many other animals and the term hobbyhorse as used herein and the general appearance of a horse illustrated in the drawings are to be understood as illustrative and not as limitations of my invention. Also it is to be expressly understood that my invention is not to be limited to toy or amusement devices for children but is to include exercising devices for adults.

In the prior art of hobbyhorses, it was common practice to provide a back and forth or longitudinal movement of the seat member but, as far as I am aware, the prior art devices did not provide-for a movement of the seat member in a circular path. Thus much of the desired stimulating and exciting motions of riding horseback were absent when riding hobbyhorses.

It is thus a general object of my invention to provide a device wherein a rotary motion much like the galloping of a horse is obtained.

It is the further object of my invention to provide a device wherein a seat member is mounted on crank arm means and said seat member is movable toward and away from lever means on the same crank arm means, so that the seat can be moved by an operator by causing relative motion between the seat means and said lever means.

It is the further object of my invention to provide a seat means, a lever means relatively movable toward and away from said seat means, and operating lever means interconnecting the two and which operating lever means may be in the form and shape of the part of an animal such as the head of a horse.

It is the further object of my invention to provide spring means operatively disposed in the power assembly of a hobbyhorse so that the weight of a rider may be in effect balanced out and the entire applied motive power may be utilized to operate the hobbyhorse. In my invention, said spring means are preferably adjustable to take care of riders of different weights.

The above mentioned general objects of my invention, together with others inherent in same, are attained by the device illustrated in the accompanying drawings throughout which like reference numerals indicate like parts.

Figure 1 is an elevational view of a device embodying my invention;

Fig. 2 is an elevational view, on a smaller scale than Fig. 1, with the moving parts rotated substantially ninety degrees from their positions shown in Fig. l;

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2 and with the moving parts rotated ninety degrees from their positions shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3 and with the moving parts rotated ninety degrees from their positions shown in Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a detached view in end elevation of the crank arm illustrated in the previous figures and with the crank arm substantially in the same position as it is shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is an elevational view with the central portion of the crank arm broken away, and taken substantially in the direction of broken line 6- 6 of Fig. 5; and

Fig. 7 is a plan view, with parts in section, taken substantially on broken line 'I-I of Fig. 2.

Referring more particularly to Figs. 1 and 7 of the drawings, a base frame means comprises side slats 8, end frames 9, and four vertically disposed supports Ill. The supports II) are each provided with a bearing II. Each bearing II rotatively supports a crank arm portion I2. The crank arm portions [2 of each of the two longitudinally spaced crank arms are connected to crank arm portions H3 at an angle of substantially ninety degrees. The crank arm portions !3 are connected with crank arm portions I4 and at angle of substantially ninety degrees. The crank arm portions I 4 are connected to crank arm portions I5. Each crank arm portion I5 lies in a plane which is substantially one hundred five degrees to the plane in which crank arm portions l3 lie. The crank arm portions I2I3 and I4 lie substantially in a common plane, such as a vertical plane as viewed in Fig. l of the drawings. The crank arm portions I5 of each crank arm are interconnected by crank arm portion I6. As viewed in Fig. l of the drawings, the crank arm portions I5 extend in substantially a horizontal plane, inwardly of the device and are interconnected by the crank arm portions I6. The crank arm portions I2-I4 and I 6 function as bearings.

The seat assembly comprises a platform I! on which a person may sit. Obviously a backrest as well as any suitable decorative effects may be employed. The platform I! carries legs l8 which are provided with bearings I9. Bearings |9'ro tatively support crank arm portions I4. An 01)- crating lever 20 may have suitable decorative effect such as the head and neck of a horse. The head 20 preferably carries hand grasping means such as pins 2!. The head 20 is pivoted to the platform l1 as by hinges 22. Stirrup means 23 provide suitable foot rests. Lever means 24 extend between the forward and rear crank arms |2l3l4l5!6. Each end portion of a lever means 24 is provided with bearings 25 which rotatively mount the crank arm portions 16. Adjustable spring means 26 interconnect between the rear portion of a lever 24 and a forward portion of the seat assembly.

In the drawings, I have indicated two springs 25 (see Fig. '7) but obviously a single spring can be substituted therefor. Similarly, I have indicated two lever means 2% and two connecting rods 32 but obviously a single lever means 24 and a single connecting rod 32 may be employed.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that a base frame means may comprise side slats 8, end frames 9 and vertically disposed supports iii; that the crank arm portions i2 are rotatively supported by bearings ll carried by the base frame means; that crank arm portions 54 and 56 are offset bearings and describe concentric circles of different diameters about l2 as a center; that lever means 2 interconnect the crank arms through one set of the offset bearings; that the platform I! is supported by the other set of offset bearings; and that a pivoted lever, as head 28, functions as operating lever means.

This may be accomplished connecting a spring (as viewed in Fig. 1) to a rear portion of a lever 24 and to a forward leg IS. A means to adjust the tension of spring H5 is indicated by a turnbuckle 2?.

Connecting rod means 32 have the respective end portions thereof pivoted to the rear crank arm portion and to a portion of the head if? below the hinge 22.

Referring now more particularly to Fig. l of the drawings, the parts are shown in their normal and raised position. When a rider sits on a platform H, the spring 26 is placed under tension and the platform descends by reason of such weight and moves toward the position of Fig. 2. The spring should be adjusted in accordance with the weight of a particular rider for maximum ease of operation. This adjustment should be such that it takes some pressure on the pins 2! to cause the platform I! to fully descend as the springs are being placed under tension and this tension is later utilized in causing the platform and the rider to rise.

Referring to Fig. 2 of the drawings, the bearings i9 will move in a circular path indicated by circular broken line 28. Also the bearings 25 will move in a circular path indicated by the circular broken line 29. While the travel may be clockwise or counter-clockwise, depending upon the rest position of portions I3 (i. e. angled to the right or left of the vertical in Fig. 1) or the direction of the initial movement of the pins 2| (i. e. back or forth), in the drawings I have illustrated a cycle by the positions of the parts in Figs. 1 to 4 and have assumed that the direction of rotation of said forward bearings l3 and 25 will be in a clockwise direction.

Referring now to Fig. 3 of the drawings, the rear bearings 25 will rotate in a circular path indicated by broken line and the rear bearings I9 will rotate in a circular path indicated by broken line 3|.

Assuming the directions of rotation just described, a rider on platform ll may permit the pins 2| to move rearwardly by reason of his or her weight and, upon rotation of ninety degrees, the parts will be in the position of Fig. 2 of the drawings and the upper portion of the lever 20 will be in its rearmost position of angular movement. Then upon application of forward motion, on the head 2% and in the direction indicated by the arrow in Fig. 2, the parts will be moved ninety degrees and in to the position indicated in Fig. 3 of the drawings. It is preferable that the springs be adjusted so some pressure is required for movement during this portion of the cycle so the springs 23 will provide the necessary power so the platform H and the rider will be moved upwardly and at an increased rate of travel later in the cycle. This snap or increased rate of rise provides for a most enjoyable ride.

Upon further movement of the head forward, as indicated by the arrow in Fi 3 of the drawings, the bearings I9 and 25 will pass through dead center and the head may then be urged rearwardly as indicated by the arrow above the head in Fig. 4 until the parts assume the position in l and thereafter the cycles can be continued by the weight of the rider and by oscillating the lever or head member 20.

-Forward and rear crank arms 52i3|4|5 and it should be identical for ease and smoothness of operation. Also the bearings formed by crank arm portions l2-M and i6 should be aligned and properly fit bearings H-l9 and 25. The levers link the forward and rear cranks i2--i3.-GiE-lt together so they move in unison.

11s it appears from the drawings, bearings I9 and 25 revolve about the same axis, namely, crank arm portion 52 but they follow circular paths of different diameters. Thus as the bearings 49 and 25 rotate, the levers Z move relatively toward and away from the platform I? and the crank portion moves toward and away from a forward portion of the platform H. The weight of the rider tends to move the platform I! downwardly and relatively away from the levers 24. As springs urge the levers 24 and the platform E'i toward each other, the springs 28 carry the load of the rider. Also when the device is moving from the position in Fig. 1 of the drawings, to and through the position shown in Fig. 2 of the drawings, the platform 51 and the levers 2a are moving relatively away from each other. Thus as the platform ll is moving downwardly, the tension on spring '28 is increasing and the weight of the rider is utilized in increasing the tension on spring 26. After the parts reach the positions indicated in Fig. 3, the platform I1 is in its lowest position and the platform starts to rise. The tension of the spring means 26 is thus utilized to lift the platform I? and in turn the rider through the portion of the cycle commencing just after Fig. 3, through the position indiin Fig. i and toward the position indicated in Fig. l of the drawings.

Obviously changes may be made in the forms, dimensions, and arrangement of the parts of my invention without departing from the principle thereof, the above se ting forth only a preferred form of embodiment.

I claim:

1. A device to be ridden comprishig base frame means; crank arm mean rotatively supported by said base frame means and having offset bearings thereon revolving in two concentric circles; lever means having a portion thereof rotatively mounted on one of said offset bearing means; a seat assembly having a portion thereof rotatively mounted on the other of said offset bearing means and relatively movable toward and away from said lever means; and operating lever mean for moving said seat assembly and said first mentioned lever means toward and away from each other.

2. A device to be ridden comprising base frame means; crank arm means having a first bearing means rotatively supported by said base frame means and having second and third bearing surfaces revolvable about said first bearing means and describing, when in motion, circles of different diameters; lever means having a portion thereof rotatively mounted on said second hearing surface of said crank arm means; a seat member having a portion thereof rotatively mounted on said third bearing surface of said crank arm means and relatively movable toward and away from said lever means; and operating lever means for moving said seat assembly and said first mentioned lever means toward and away from each other.

3. A device to be ridden comprising base frame means having longitudinally spaced bearings thereon; a crank arm means having a first bearing means rotatively supported by each of said bearing means of said base frame means, each of said crank arm means having second and third bearing surfaces revolvable about the first bearing means thereof and describing, when in motion, circles of different diameters; lever means having the end portions thereof rotatively mounted on the second bearing surfaces of said two crank arm means; a seat member having longitudinally spaced bearings rotatively mounted on the third bearing surfaces of said two crank arm means; a pivoted arm carried by said seat member; and an interconnecting link having its end portions rotatively connected with said lever means and said pivoted arm.

4. A device to be ridden comprising base frame means having longitudinally spaced bearings thereon; a crank arm means having a first bearing means rotatively supported by each of said bearing means of said base frame means, each of said crank arm means having second and third bearing surfaces revolvable about the first bearing means thereof and describing, when in motion, circles of different diameters; lever means having the end portions thereof rotatively mounted on the second bearing surfaces of said two crank arm means; a seat member having longitudinally spaced bearings rotatively mounted on the third bearing surfaces of said two crank arm means; a pivoted arm carried by said seat member; an interconnecting link having its end portions rotatively connected with said lever means and said seat member; and resilient means urging said seat member and said lever means toward each other.

5. A device to be ridden comprising base frame means having longitudinally spaced bearings thereon; a crank arm means having a first bearing means rotatively supported by each of said bearing means of said base frame means, each of said crank arm means having second and third bearing surfaces revolvable about the first bearing means thereof and describing, when in motion, circles of different diameters; lever means having the end portions thereof rotatively mounted on the second bearing surfaces of said two crank arm means; a seat member having longitudinally spaced bearings rotatively mounted on the third bearing surfaces of said two crank arm means; a head member pivoted at a mid portion thereof to said seat member; handle means carried by an upper portion of said head member; and an interconnecting link having its end portions rotatively connected with said first mentioned lever means and a lower end portion of said head member.

6. A device to be ridden comprising base frame means having longitudinally spaced bearings thereon; a crank arm means having a first bearing means rotatively supported by each of said bearing means of said base frame means, each of said crank arm means having second and third bearing surfaces revolvable about the first bearing means thereof and describing, when in motion, circles of different diameters; lever means having the end portions thereof rotatively mounted on the bearing surfaces of said two crank arm means which describe the larger circle; a seat member having longitudinally spaced bearings rotatively mounted on the bearing surfaces of said two crank arm means which describe the smaller circle; a pivoted arm carried by the said seat member; and an interconnecting link having its end portions rotatively connected with said lever means and said pivoted arm.

7. A device to be ridden comprising base frame means having a pair of laterally spaced bearings and a second pair of laterally spaced bearings longitudinally spaced from the first pair of laterally spaced bearings; a crank arm means having a first bearing means rotatively supported by each of said pair of laterally spaced bearing means, each of said crank arm means having second and third bearing surfaces revolvable about the first bearing means thereof and described, when in motion, circles of different diameters; lever means having the end portions thereof rotatively mounted on the second bearing surfaces of said two crank arm means; a seat member having leg members thereon, and said leg members having longitudinally spaced bearings rotatively mounted on the third bearing surfaces of said two crank arm means; and operating lever means having its mid portion pivotally connected to said seat member; handle means carried by an upper portion of said operating lever means; and an interconnecting link having its end portions rotatively connected with a lower portion of said operating lever means and with said first mentioned lever means.

EDWARD H. PICHLER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 110,218 Seng Sept. 30, 1902 1,730,557 Brackett Oct. 8, 1929 2,173,691 Marlowe Sept. 19, 1939 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 21,975 Great Britain Sept. 30, 1913 

